Posted on Aug 26, 2026 in
NEWSWORTHY
2026 Fort Bend County Fair Parade Grand Marshal The George Ranch. Longhorns with George Ranch cowboys Victor Villagas and Cody Kalinowsky.
Photo credit: Kelley Sweet Photography.
As the Fort Bend County Fair celebrates its landmark 90th Anniversary, one of the county’s most treasured institutions will lead one of its most cherished traditions.
The Fort Bend County Fair Association is proud to announce The George Ranch as the 2026 Parade Grand Marshal, leading the official Kick-Off Parade on Friday, September 25, 2026, in a celebration that brings together two organizations whose histories have helped shape Fort Bend County for generations.
Under the anniversary theme, “90 Years Strong. Honoring the Past, Growing the Future,” the selection is especially meaningful. For nearly a century, the Fort Bend County Fair has invested in youth through scholarships, agricultural education and leadership opportunities. For more than 200 years, The George Ranch has preserved the county’s agricultural heritage while educating future generations about the people, traditions and values that built Texas.
The story of The George Ranch began in 1824, when Henry and Nancy Jones, members of Stephen F. Austin’s Old 300, settled along the Brazos River in the Mexican territory of Tejas. From that original homestead, generations of the Jones, Ryon, Davis, and George families established one of Texas’ most influential farming and ranching operations, helping shape the agricultural landscape of Fort Bend County.
Throughout its history, the George family became known not only for building one of Texas’ great ranching operations, but also for its extraordinary commitment to serving the community. Family matriarch Mary “Polly” Moore Ryon was renowned for her compassion and generosity, a legacy that lives on through Fort Bend’s first hospital, now known as OakBend, The George Foundation, and countless other investments in Fort Bend County. That legacy is also reflected at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, where the A.P. George Pavilion hosts more than 10 livestock shows each year, welcoming over 600 4-H and FFA exhibitors and continuing the family’s enduring commitment to agriculture, education, and the next generation.
Today, The George Ranch remains a 20,000-acre working ranch and one of Texas’ premier living history museums. Visitors experience more than 200 years of Texas history through authentic historic homes, cattle-working demonstrations, blacksmithing, educational programming and interactive agricultural experiences. Each year, more than 25,000 students and 10,000 visitors experience firsthand the history, agriculture and pioneering spirit that continue to define Fort Bend County.
The Ranch celebrated its own milestone in 2024, commemorating 100 years as The George Ranch with a yearlong celebration and the opening of its new state-of-the-art Visitor Center.
“The George Ranch and the Fort Bend County Fair have long shared a common mission of investing in our youth while preserving the agricultural traditions that define Fort Bend County,” said Roger Adamson, Chairman of the Board of The George Ranch. “On behalf of everyone at The George Ranch, we are honored to serve as the Parade Grand Marshal during the Fair’s historic 90th Anniversary. We proudly salute the generations of volunteers, exhibitors, and families whose dedication has made the Fair such an important part of our community.”
Few organizations have had a greater influence on the history and identity of Fort Bend County than The George Ranch. For generations, it has stood as a steward of the county’s agricultural heritage, a champion of education and a symbol of family values. Likewise, for 90 years, the Fort Bend County Fair has remained committed to developing young leaders, supporting agriculture and strengthening the community through volunteerism and service.
Bringing these two iconic institutions together to open the Fair’s 90th Anniversary is a fitting tribute to the county’s past while celebrating the future both organizations continue to build.
“The George Ranch represents everything the Fort Bend County Fair strives to celebrate,” said Brian Graeber, President of the Fort Bend County Fair Association. “Agriculture, education, volunteerism, family and community have been the foundation of both organizations for generations. It is only fitting that this remarkable institution helps lead us into our 90th Anniversary celebration.”
Leading the parade will be a beautifully restored Wagonette carriage pulled by Whiskey and Bourbon, The George Ranch’s equine driving team. It will be accompanied by additional horse-drawn wagons featuring George Ranch educators in period attire, George Ranch cowboys on horseback, and support vehicles distributing informative postcards along the parade route.
The 2026 Fort Bend County Fair Kick-Off Parade begins at 9:00 a.m. Friday, September 25, departing from the Historic Fort Bend County Courthouse in Richmond before traveling west along Highway 90A into Rosenberg. More than 200 parade entries, including marching bands, floats, equestrian groups, civic organizations and community leaders, are expected to participate.
The parade officially launches the 90th Fort Bend County Fair, which runs September 25 through October 4, 2026. For a complete schedule of events, parade information, and tickets, visit www.fortbendcountyfair.com
